“Hegseth’s antipathy toward service women and diversity as a whole is more than reprehensible; it is dangerous, said Gretchen Klingler, Director of @vets4amerideals.bsky.social in her statement to @the-independent.com

www.the-independent.com/news/world/a...

When politicians use our troops as a show of force — not a source of help — it betrays that mission. VFAI is talking about what patriotism really means — and it starts with protecting our communities, not mobilizing against them.

That’s service.
That’s community.
That’s how our troops show selfless service to America.

They’ve delivered food during COVID lockdowns.
Rescued families after hurricanes.
Cleared roads after blizzards.
Built field hospitals during national emergencies.

They’ve delivered food during COVID lockdowns.
Rescued families after hurricanes.
Cleared roads after blizzards.
Built field hospitals during national emergencies.

“Wearing the uniform was my way of saying thank you to the country that gave us a new beginning.” — U.S. Marine veteran Emir Hadzic #WorldRefugeeDay #SemperFi

Thank you, Emir, for your service and for embodying our values. We are proud to call you an American. 🇺🇸

“My military service was my way of honoring the nation that welcomed me as a 17-year-old refugee. America gave my family freedom, safety, and the chance to pursue the American Dream.” — Emir Hadzic #WorldRefugeeDay

This #WorldRefugeeDay, you can contribute to our Client Emergency Fund to directly support recently arrived #refugees with the things they need most: food, clothing, and shelter.

Donate: humanrightsfirst.org/action/contr...

Not only are these deployments causing chaos and destabilizing communities — they are also leading to low morale among the National Guard & active duty troops deployed, and further eroding trust between community members & our military service members.